Full story... I bought the Emco Compact PC to learn cnc turning, it was working great when I bought it. It's running Linux but I didn't use it for about a month or so, and my password wouldn't let me log in. So I wiped everything from the drive, and reinstalled Linux Debian from this website.
-Linux Debian
-All original boards and components (trying to keep for now)
-No modifications except safety switch bypass
-Parallel Port
-Also have the original Emco software in english on an old relic laptop (pretty cool just not as advanced as mach3 emc or any newer stuff)
After reinstalling Linux tried adding a hal file but it wouldn't take and kept giving me errors. messed around with it but I couldn't really figure it out. I tried the old relic emco laptop and the machine came to life with the original software, I think it's just a configuration of the ports pins i/o etc.
Honestly I'd love to swap out the break out board and install something for mach 3 (I use this for my mill and cnc router) but I don't know the pin outs on the motor driver board. Or go with a complete gut and update every as the actual lathe is beautiful. And then add a tool changer (so cool!)
Thank you for your reply & Apologies for the late response